A rather slight film, but there is enough charm and wit to make it a pleasant diversion.
L.A. Story (1991)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:31
Fresh:29
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7.4/10
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: A wacky TV weatherman loses his job after taking off yet another weekend -- after all, he figures, L.A. weather never changes, does it? And his personal life is a mess too, because his relationship... A wacky TV weatherman loses his job after taking off yet another weekend -- after all, he figures, L.A. weather never changes, does it? And his personal life is a mess too, because his relationship with his long-time girlfriend has gone kaput. Everything looks pretty dismal, when he unexpectedly meets a British journalist on assignment in L.A. and falls instantly in love. He fears he has no chance with her, though, and in desperation he starts a relationship with a ditzy young shopgirl who introduces him to the wonders of rollerskating and colonics. All the while he pines away for the journalist. Then, while driving down the L.A. freeways, he suddenly realizes that one of the highway signs is trying to communicate with him. He stops to read the messages, takes a risk, and trusts in them to save his life. [More]
Starring: Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant, Richard E. Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker
Starring: Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant, Richard E. Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marilu Henner, Patrick Stewart, Kevin Pollak, Sam McMurray, Frances Fisher, Iman, Tommy Hinkley, Larry Miller
Director: Mick Jackson
Director: Mick Jackson
Composer: Peter Melnick
Screenwriter: Steve Martin
Producer: Daniel Melnick, Michael Rachmil
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Reviews for L.A. Story
Unlike Woody Allen's New York City, which becomes a staging area for character angst and transformation, Martin's L.A. stifles the characters, and neither they, screenwriter Martin or director Jackson seem to be aware of it.
This is a very personal Martin project -- the sweet-souled, nonstop-funny testament of a native Angeleno. Sly and soulful, it's the comedy that dares to be dippy.
To borrow from Abe Lincoln: Steve Martin's L.A. Story will make all of the people laugh some of the time, some of the people laugh all of the time but not...well, you know the rest.
Steve Martin's script, a delightfully scatty account of life in the city of angels, exposes romance lurking beyond the snobbish restaurants and routine muggings...
If the material had been presented more insistently, it might have been insufferable, too goopy and new-age. Its modesty, though, is its prime virtue. It's breezy and light as cloud's breath -- not so much airheaded as air-hearted.
This is the best kind of comedy, the kind in which there is truth behind the laughs.
By letting someone else direct, Martin can concentrate on his performance. And his performance is fine in this slight but funny comedy.
Latest News for L.A. Story
July 12, 2005:
Sarah J. Parker Gets to "Spinning" a Stage Play
Rebecca Gilman's "Spinning Into Butter" will make the leap from stage to screen, thanks to some help from producer / leading lady Sarah Jessica Parker ("L.A.... More...
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